Fleas can quickly become an out-of-control infestation in your home, so it’s essential to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible. The best way to do that is by brushing your dog regularly with a flea comb and using a flea and tick preventive.
This buying guide for the best flea and tick combs and brushes will give you our top picks. We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that includes reviews of the best products on the market and user feedback.
More Information About Fleas and Combs
Flea combs are a popular tool used by homeowners and professionals alike to search and remove fleas from a dog’s coat thoroughly. A good quality flea comb will have fine teeth close together to remove fleas effectively, flea dirt, and eggs from the coat.
Lyme disease has increased over the years, and studies show that this correlates to a similar increase in tick infestation. We all know that large dogs are affected more often than smaller breeds, possibly because they spend more time outdoors than their smaller counterparts.
To take proper care of your furbaby during the hot summer months also means looking at flea and tick products and seeing which are best for your dog. Your veterinarian will go a long way when it comes down to recommending the safest flea and tick products. Try to opt for a natural flea and tick preventative to lessen the occurrence of side effects.
Flea and tick products feature natural ingredients like cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and thyme oil. Natural alternatives give you the option of not having to use flea and tick products that feature active ingredients like propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos.
- Pros
- Easily removes tangles, crust, mucus, and stains
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for all dog breeds
- Good for home and travel
- Over 3,000 positive reviews
- Effectively removes fleas
- Suitable for detangling
- Cons
- It may not be as effective with long-haired dog breeds.
This is a complete kit featuring numerous flea and tick combs. The three different styles of combs are handy. For example, the Boao Pet Lice Tick Combs can be used on animals with fur, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and more. It comes with a storage case to keep everything organized, and it’s even easy to take with you when you travel.
The flea kit for dogs features two metal teeth long handle combs, two metal teeth double hole combs, and two double-sided teeth combs. It’s crafted with good quality metal and plastic material. This product has over 3,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight with the entire kit weighing 3.53 ounces
- Fun colors
- Flea 6-piece kit with numerous combs
- Includes double-sided teeth combs
- Affordable
- Pros
- Over 16,000 positive reviews
- Doubles as a grooming tool to detangle mats around delicate areas
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Helps to remove flea, flea eggs, and all debris gently
- Gentle on skin and coat
- Helpful in detangling small mats of fur
- Cons
- More color options are needed.
This is an ideal flea and tick brush for pets because the soft bristles are gentle on your pet’s skin, while the brush’s firmness helps remove fleas and ticks. This product has over 4,900 positive reviews, and is best used together with a flea comb.
Hertzko’s Soft Bristle Pet Brush can be used on all coats- long, short, curly, wiry, or smooth. We like this flea and tick brush because the soft and gentle plastic bristles are manufactured with rounded ends so they won’t damage or scratch. It’s also suitable for face and paw areas.
The unique design of the Hertzko brush means that it can be used on wet or dry coats, and it’s also perfect for detangling knots. The long handle means that you won’t have to bend over too far to reach your pet’s back, and the non-slip grip makes it comfortable to hold.
One of the things we love most about the Hertzko brush is that it’s so versatile- it can be used for detangling, grooming, and even removing fleas and ticks. We also appreciate that the soft bristles are gentle on your pet’s skin.
Overall, we think the Hertzko Soft Bristle Pet Brush is an excellent option for those looking for a versatile and gentle brush that can be used on all types of coats.
Features
- Affordable
- Thumb rest for greater control
- Anti-slip handle
- Bristles feature rounded ends
- Over 4,900 positive reviews
- Pros
- Allows for gentle yet thorough grooming
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to hold
- It also removes fleas, ticks, and debris from coat and skin
- Planet-friendly product
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like being brushed with a slicker brush.
The We Love Doodles slicker brush for fleas and ticks is the perfect tool to help remove these pesky critters from your dog’s coat. This is best used before using a flea comb to untangle and demat. The slicker brush has stiff bristles that can penetrate through the thickest of coats, making it easy to remove fleas and ticks. The We Love Doodles slicker brush is suitable for removing mats and tangles from your dog’s coat.
We like the We Love Doodles slicker brush because it features 50% longer, denser, and softer pins. The pins are 1″ in length and bent and angled (at approximately 45 degrees), so they won’t scratch your dog’s skin. The slicker brush also has a comfortable ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold and use.
Features
- Affordable
- 50% longer, denser, and softer pins
- 1″ pins are bent and angled (at approximately 45 degrees)
- Comfortable ergonomic recycled wood handle
- Stiff bristles penetrate thick coats
- Removes fleas and ticks
- Great for removing mats and tangles
- Eco-friendly flea and tick brush
- Pros
- Dense teeth remove fleas
- Portable for pet vacays
- Grooming tool for tangles and mats
- Removes debris and mud from coats
- Easy to use, wash and carry
- Cons
- Will not work on thick and long coats.
The Mohern flea and tick comb set for dogs and cats works perfectly for short coats and is one of our top pics. The size of fine-tooth combs is 3.5 inches(L) X 2 inches(H). This comb set is also a lice comb with dense teeth and sparse teeth.
The dense teeth clean fleas off, and the sparse teeth cleans hair. The smooth teeth of this nit comb prevent scratching the skin and are very gentle for sensitive skin and coats. This product comes in a few fun colorways and is a four-count pet product that’s easy to use. It’s also durable and can last a long time.
Features
- Easy to use
- Lightweight at 0.81 ounces
- Environmental plastic
- size of fine-tooth combs is 3.5 inches(L) X 2 inches(H). 4 pack kit
- Gentle on skin
- Works for short hair coats
- It also removes fleas, ticks, and debris from coat and skin.
- Pros
- Soft bristles are gentle on your pet's skin
- The firmness of the brush helps to remove fleas and ticks
- Can be used on all types of coats
- Perfect for detangling knots
- Long handle means that you won't have to bend over too far to reach your pet's back
- Non-slip grip makes it comfortable to hold
- Versatile- can be used for detangling, grooming, and even removing fleas and ticks.
- Cons
- More colors needed
This is an ideal flea and tick brush for pets because the soft bristles are gentle on your pet’s skin, while the brush’s firmness helps remove fleas and ticks. This product has over 4,900 positive reviews, and is best used together with a flea comb.
Hertzko’s Soft Bristle Pet Brush can be used on all coats- long, short, curly, wiry, or smooth. We like this flea and tick brush because the soft and gentle plastic bristles are manufactured with rounded ends so they won’t damage or scratch. It’s also suitable for face and paw areas.
The unique design of the Hertzko brush means that it can be used on wet or dry coats, and it’s also perfect for detangling knots. The long handle means that you won’t have to bend over too far to reach your pet’s back, and the non-slip grip makes it comfortable to hold.
One of the things we love most about the Hertzko brush is that it’s so versatile- it can be used for detangling, grooming, and even removing fleas and ticks. We also appreciate that the soft bristles are gentle on your pet’s skin.
Overall, we think the Hertzko Soft Bristle Pet Brush is an excellent option for those looking for a versatile and gentle brush that can be used on all types of coats.
Features
- Affordable
- Thumb rest for greater control
- Anti-slip handle
- Bristles feature rounded ends
- Over 4,900 positive reviews
- Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight at 1 ounce
- Removes fleas and ticks
- Comfortable grip
- Reduces static electricity
- Suitable for all coats and dog breeds
- Keeps coats manageable
- Breather holes allow for gentle grooming.
- Cons
- Need to use with a flea comb
- May not work as well on long or thick coats
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush is one of the best brushes you can buy to remove fleas and ticks from your pet’s coat. This is best used with the Hartz flea and tick comb(below). This brush features stiff bristles that are great for getting rid of those pesky critters and a comfortable grip that makes it easy to use. It also detangles well making it easy to run a comb through.
Hartz is a trusted name in pet care, so you can be sure that this brush will do a great job at keeping your pet clean and flea-free. This product has over 14,600 positive reviews. So if you’re looking for a brush that will do a great job removing fleas and ticks from your pet’s coat, the Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush is an excellent option for all pet parents.
The Bottom Line: The Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush is an excellent brush for removing fleas and ticks from your pet’s coat. It features stiff bristles that are great for getting rid of those pesky critters and a comfortable grip that makes it easy to use. Hartz is a trusted name in pet care, so you can be sure that this brush will do a great job at keeping your pet clean and flea-free.
Features
- Affordable
- Ergonomic handle
- Thin bristles crafted with a protective covering
- Stiff bristles remove fleas and ticks
- Comfortable grip for easy use
- Trusted name in pet care
- Over 14,000 positive reviews
How to choose the best flea and tick comb?
When looking for a flea comb, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Choose a comb with metal teeth, as plastic teeth can break easily.
- Make sure the teeth are close together to avoid leaving any fleas behind.
- Look for a comb with a comfortable grip to make combing your dog’s coat easier.
- Another solution is finding thin-tipped tweezers that allow you to remove ticks of any size. These should feature a slotted scoop designed for removing larger ticks.
They come in various shapes and sizes, with dozens available on the market. If you’re shopping for a flea comb, consider the following factors:
- Closely spaced teeth: This will help ensure you remove all the fleas, not just some of them.
- Flea kits with numerous combs specifically designed to remove fleas and eggs.
- A comfortable grip allows for easy grooming and combing.
- Opt for products with lots of positive reviews unless they’re new on the market. If so, try them out!
How to use a flea comb?
Once you’ve selected a flea comb, the next step is to put it to use. First, brush your dog’s coat with a regular brush to loosen any knots or tangles. Next, start at the head and work your way down the body, using slow and steady strokes.
Be sure to comb through all of the fur, paying particular attention to areas where fleas are likely to congregate, such as the neck, tail, and behind the ears. For example, if you find a flea on the comb, dip it in a cup of soapy water to kill the flea before continuing.
After combing your dog’s entire coat, check the comb for any remaining fleas and eggs and dispose of them. Finally, give your dog a good brushing with a regular brush to remove any flea dirt or debris left behind.
Flea bath
If you find that your dog has a lot of fleas, you may need to give them a flea bath. Wet your dog’s fur with lukewarm water and then rub in a generous amount of flea shampoo. Leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes before rinsing it off. You may need to repeat this process a few times to eliminate all the fleas.
Best Flea and Tick Combs and Brushes for Dogs
Key considerations
Metal vs. plastic teeth
When it comes to the material that the teeth on your comb are made of, you have two options: metal and plastic. Metal teeth will often be more durable than plastic, but they can also be harsher on your pet’s skin. If you choose a metal comb, be gentle when using it.
On the other hand, plastic teeth may not be as durable, but they’re often more gentle on your pet’s skin.
Size
Another important consideration is the size of the comb. For example, if you have a small dog or cat, you’ll want to make sure you get a small comb to fit comfortably in their fur. Likewise, if you have a large dog or horse, you’ll want to get a large comb to reach through their fur.
Teeth spacing
When it comes to the teeth on your comb, you’ll want to pay attention to the spacing. If the teeth are too close together, they may not be effective at removing fleas and ticks. If they’re too far apart, they may not be able to reach down to the skin. Instead, you’ll want to find a happy medium that will work well for your pet’s fur.
Safety
When using any kind of comb on your pet, you’ll want to avoid their eyes, ears, and nose. You’ll also want to be careful not to press too hard, as this could hurt your pet. If you’re not sure how to use the comb properly, consult a professional groomer or vet.
How to use each flea comb?
- Start by using the long handle comb to reach any fleas or ticks that may be hiding in your pet’s fur.
- Next, use the double-sided comb to remove any eggs or larvae present.
- Finally, use the short-handled comb to remove any remaining fleas or ticks.
- Repeat this process to remove all fleas and ticks from your pet’s fur.
- Be sure to clean the combs after each use to prevent the spread of fleas and ticks.
- Store the combs in a safe place when not in use.
We’re also going to show you how to brush out fleas and ticks via a flea and tick video. With flea and tick control methods coming under scrutiny every year and hotter, wetter weather conditions, flea issues will continue to grow.
Boost your dog’s immunity
Keeping your furbaby healthy can help make him less prone to flea and tick infestations. Here are a few things that you can do to help him:
- Feed him a high-quality diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Stay away from dog food diets that contain fillers, by-products, coloring, and additives.
- Use supplements like fresh wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella, or barley grass. Fresh veggies and fruits contain chlorophyll which is a good antioxidant. Ensure that all fruits and veggies are organic and free of pesticides.
- Ask your veterinarian about supplementing with garlic or Brewer’s yeast to help with repelling fleas. Omega-3 fatty acids are suitable for anti-inflammatory purposes and help fight against allergies. Use a high-quality pet salmon or fish oil formulated specifically for pets.
- Enjoy regular exercise and outdoor playtime with our furbaby. Mental stimulation and vigorous exercise are good for health.
- Always have fresh, clean water available for your pets. You should use fresh, filtered water and change it a few times a day to ensure freshness.
- Groom your furbaby regularly; it’s a good way of checking for fleas and ticks and any lumps and skin conditions.
- Try to eliminate the use of chemicals in your home. Harmful residues can collect on your pup’s paws and coat. These toxins can impact your pup’s health, immune system, and disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best flea comb for dogs?
The best flea comb for dogs will depend on your dog’s size and type of fur. For example, if you have a small dog with short fur, you may want to get a smaller comb with narrow teeth. However, if you have a large dog with thick fur, you may want to get a larger comb with wider teeth.
How often should I use a flea comb on my dog?
You should use a flea comb on your dog to remove all fleas and ticks from their fur. If you live in an area with many fleas and ticks, you may need to comb your dog daily.
If you live in an area with fewer fleas and ticks, you may only need to comb your dog weekly. You should also use a natural flea and tick preventative on your dog to help keep them from getting fleas and ticks in the first place.
What are some other ways to prevent fleas and ticks on my dog?
In addition to using a flea comb, there are many other ways to prevent fleas and ticks on your dog. For example, you can use a natural flea and tick preventative, bathe your dog regularly, and clean their bedding. You should also avoid taking your dog to areas where there are a lot of fleas and ticks.
What are the risks of not using a flea comb on my dog?
If you don’t use a flea comb on your dog, they may suffer from an infestation of fleas or ticks. This can cause them to itch and scratch excessively, leading to hair loss, skin irritation, and infection. In addition, fleas and ticks can also transmit diseases to your dog, so removing them as soon as possible is essential.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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